MECAF on Facebook

There is a Facebook group that links to this blog. I wanted to be sure that this blog also linked back to the Facebook group.

Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=48705984560

We will be using the Facebook group to message people about the festival. For example, when we open registrations for tables we will be sending a notice out through the group in addition to posting it here.

Thanks!

A few more photos

Here are some photos that I took when I toured Ocean Gateway for the first time. It was mostly empty at the time as they were clearing the place out from an event that took place the night before. Look at the ladders, doors and windows to get a sense of scale.

Also, I spoke with a friend this morning who had attended an event there last night. She said the space was wonderful and should work great for our event.

Tables at the festival

We have been getting lots of questions about tables at the festival. Here is what we can tell you so far.

We need to measure the room one more time but it appears that we will have approximately 40x 8 foot tables in the room. The rates will be very reasonable and will be announced when we open registrations in January.

We will be offering half and full tables. If you only need a half table you can pay for it and we will pair you up with another creator who also needs just a half table. This will allow more creators an opportunity to attend.

If people are organized enough to get together and share a table that will not be a problem, but there may be a limit to the number of people at any one table.

Please e-mail with any questions or feel free to post in the comments section. Thanks!

Hotels in Portland

We have begun working with local hotels to secure rooms for the festival. We should have blocks of rooms at several hotels. Full details will be announced once we open registrations in January.

Here is the deal. The hotels are offering us rooms at pretty much the same price that you would pay if you booked the room yourself on the internet. While that does not sound like such a great deal at first it actually is not too bad. The rooms that you would book online are prepaid with no cancellations or changes allowed. If you book a room through the festival you will have the options to change your reservation if you need to do so. The price will be the same but you will have a little safety net if your plans should change.

The hotels would also be offering free shuttle service to and from the festival.

Thanks!

Another photo...

Here is an outside shot of Ocean Gateway. It is right on the waterfront with plenty of free parking on site. It is within walking distance of Portland's Old Port. The view from the main room is of the harbor.

Date and location...May 17, 2009 Portland

Update:
We have a date and location for the festival.

Sunday, May 17, 2009
Ocean Gateway, Portland, ME

Registrations open soon.

The photo is of the inside space that we will be using. It is beautiful and overlooks Casco Bay. It is perfect for this event.

Stay tuned for more updates. Thanks!

Maine Comics Arts Festival- 2009

We are planning the Maine Comics Arts Festival for Spring of 2009. We will announce the exact location and date in the very near future. It will be held in Portland.

This event will be a celebration of the comics art form. We expect to have dozen's of guests. This will be similar to events such as SPX and APE that are creator driven. That means that there will be no "dealers" set up at this show. Writers, artists and publishers are welcome.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help can e-mail comics@casablancacomics.com . There will be plenty to do.

Much of the planning for this has been in the works for this for some time now. We know that the northeast has a very strong comics community, and Portland in particular has many creators. We plan on reaching out beyond just a regional show .

The to do list is growing, but hopefully we can get the registration information up soon. A new website for this is in the works. Keep posted to this blog for more information. Thanks!

Rick Lowell
Casablanca Comics
Portland, ME